Agoraphobia & Social Anxiety Support Group

Agoraphobia is an anxiety disorder, often precipitated by the fear of having a panic attack in a setting from which there is no easy means of escape. As a result, sufferers of agoraphobia may avoid public and/or unfamiliar places. In severe cases, the sufferer may become confined to their home, experiencing difficulty traveling from this "safe place."

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NightMinded 02/18/2010

I recently got a job at a fast food restaurant. It was a little difficult for me to find a job, with my social anxiety and all. The manager asked me if I wanted a hat or a visor to wear for work - I wasn't really sure, so I just picked a visor. I have worn visors before, and like the cut-out on the top so my head can "breath".

The issue is that I am male. All the other males I have seen at work wear hats (baseball caps), and only the females wear visors. I have not seen a male wear a visor.

Also: my "plan" to avoid anxiety when asked "why I don't wear a cap" is because I have a "sensitive scalp". I know that sounds weird...but I would rather lie than deal with people labeling me or making fun of me.

I heard it is "gay" to wear a visor. And because I am gay, I am afraid co workers will label me as gay or make fun of me for it.

Do you think it is feminine for a guy to wear a visor?

CarlaBent 02/18/2010

Hi, NightMinded!!!! Truthfully, I wouldn't have given it a second thought!!!! I say where the one you're most comfortable with and give that as the reason for wearing it, if you are even asked. I have a feeling that no one's going to make anything more out of it than you do!!!
Good luck!!!! I truly hope that it turns out to be a non-issue for you!!! And congratulations on getting a job!!!! I hope it works out well!!!!

deleted_user 02/19/2010

Hello, NightMinded:) I think CarlaBent is probably right, that people are only going to make as much of it as you do. Maybe you could just give a really casual, offhand kind of answer like, "Don't know, didn't think about it, I guess", and just shrug it off, go back to doing something else. My brother is gay, but he lives in a gay-friendly area and is okay with being open about it there (unlike the city we grew up in, sadly). You have a right to maintain your privacy, but I hope that you don't start second-guessing yourself about whether it is okay for you to like certain things. Please remember to be proud of the unique and special person that you are!

NightMinded 02/20/2010

Thank you Carla and Lady - I appreciate your replies!

It turns out that I made a huge mountain out of a molehill...Everything turned out fine. No one questioned me, looked at me weird, or anything. :)

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